Deaths in healthy adults from black widow spider bites supposedly are relatively rare. This statistic in part may be due to the development of anti-venom. In addition, improvements in plumbing have greatly reduced the incidence of bites and consequent fatalities in areas where outhouse facilities had been common. Black widow spiders are said to lurk underneath the seats of outdoor toilets as well as in wood piles and in old cars or appliances standing unused in the yard. One might then conclude that rednecks still risk the greatest exposure. (Photo by Dr. Stephen Timme)